DETROIT (Interstat) — The Atlanta Hawks outlasted the Detroit Pistons 130-129 in overtime Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena. C.J. McCollum and Jalen Johnson led a late charge for the Hawks, who erased a deficit after Detroit’s 40-point third quarter. The Pistons, led by Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson, had a chance to tie after a Daniss Jenkins jumper with 41.2 seconds left in overtime but could not convert again. Atlanta, now 41-32, snapped a three-game head-to-head losing streak against Detroit, which fell to 52-20 before a crowd of 18,921.

DETROIT (Interstat) — In a game defined by wild momentum swings and a frantic final sequence, the Atlanta Hawks escaped Little Caesars Arena with a 130-129 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, snapping a three-game losing streak to their Eastern Conference rivals in dramatic fashion. A crowd of 18,921 saw the Hawks, who led by as many as 18 points in the first half, squander that advantage, rally from a late deficit in regulation, and ultimately withstand a last-second miss by Detroit’s Jalen Duren to secure the win. The victory improved Atlanta to 41-32, while the Pistons, who own the league’s second-best record, fell to 52-20. The game’s pivotal sequence unfolded in the final seconds of overtime. With Atlanta leading by one, Detroit’s Daniss Jenkins connected on a 19-foot pull-up jumper to put the Pistons ahead 129-128 with 41.2 seconds remaining. Atlanta’s ensuing possession resulted in a missed 27-foot 3-pointer by C.J. McCollum, but Detroit’s Javonte Green secured the defensive rebound, giving the Pistons the ball and a chance to extend the lead with 13.4 seconds left. Following a timeout, Detroit inbounded to Tobias Harris, whose 16-foot pull-up jumper missed with 2.9 seconds on the clock. Duren grabbed the offensive rebound but missed a contested 9-foot jumper at the buzzer, sealing the one-point victory for the Hawks. The contest was a tale of explosive quarters and resilient responses. Atlanta blitzed Detroit early, pouring in 37 first-quarter points behind hot outside shooting to take an eight-point lead. They extended that lead to 73-55 at halftime after a 36-point second quarter, seemingly in full control. Detroit responded with a dominant third quarter, outscoring Atlanta 40-25 to completely flip the script. The Pistons’ defense tightened, and their offense, led by Duren’s interior work and Duncan Robinson’s perimeter shooting, methodically erased the deficit, taking a 95-98 lead into the final period. The fourth quarter and overtime were a tense back-and-forth affair featuring 11 lead changes and five ties. Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson and Detroit’s Ausar Thompson traded key baskets, while McCollum and Detroit’s Jenkins provided crucial shot-making from the guard positions. The game was sent to overtime tied at 121 after a dramatic final minute of regulation. McCollum converted a three-point play with 44.1 seconds left to give Atlanta a 121-119 lead. Detroit answered immediately, as Green found Robinson for a 26-foot 3-pointer to reclaim a 122-121 advantage with 33.6 seconds remaining. After an Atlanta timeout, McCollum’s 21-foot pull-up jumper missed, but Detroit’s Harris was fouled with 9.5 seconds left. He made both free throws for a 124-121 lead. McCollum then drew a shooting foul on a 3-point attempt with 4.9 seconds left, calmly sinking all three free throws to knot the score and force the extra period. In overtime, the Hawks never trailed by more than two points. Key free throws by McCollum and Johnson down the stretch set the stage for the final defensive stand that secured the road win. The most critical phase of the game was undoubtedly Detroit’s massive third-quarter surge. After being thoroughly outplayed in the first half, the Pistons opened the third period on a 15-2 run to immediately cut into the large deficit. Their 40-point quarter, which saw them shoot efficiently and force Atlanta into turnovers and rushed shots, completely shifted the momentum and turned a potential blowout into a nail-biter. That period of dominance, spearheaded by Duren’s physical play and Robinson’s shooting, was essential in creating the high-stakes environment that defined the thrilling conclusion. The Hawks next travel to face the Boston Celtics on Friday. The Pistons will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday.

Preview: Hawks at Pistons, March 25, 2026 DETROIT (Interstat) — The surging Atlanta Hawks, winners of nine of their last 11, face a stern test against the powerhouse Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night at Little Caesars Arena. The matchup pits two teams on divergent tracks in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons (52-19) sit among the league’s elite, while the Hawks (39-32) are fighting to solidify their playoff positioning. Atlanta arrives riding high after a 126-110 rout of Golden State on Saturday, led by a 28-point, 7-rebound, 6-assist performance from guard Dyson Daniels. Daniels has been a catalyst during the Hawks’ hot stretch, averaging 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists over his last 10 games. His versatility will be key against a deep Pistons squad. Detroit, however, presents a formidable challenge, especially on its home floor. The Pistons have dominated the season series, winning all three prior meetings. Their most recent encounter was a decisive 142-115 victory in Detroit on Dec. 12. Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins, coming off a 22-point, 7-rebound, 8-assist effort in a win over Golden State last Friday, has provided steady backcourt play. The Hawks’ recent success has been fueled by an explosive offense, scoring 124 points or more in eight of their last 11 victories. Containing that firepower will be a priority for a Detroit defense that allowed 113 points in a narrow win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. For Atlanta, reversing their fortunes against the Pistons is crucial as they embark on a difficult closing schedule. Detroit, meanwhile, looks to maintain its momentum and home-court advantage as the regular season winds down. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EDT Wednesday.